The Morrison Government has committed $2.2 million to interfaith group Together for Humanity to foster intercultural understanding in a variety of schools across Australia.
Together For Humanity is a multi-faith organisation delivering programs to teachers and school students that focus on fostering understanding amongst young people. The funding will allow the organisation to extend their work creating greater acceptance between Australians of different faiths and cultures.
Minister for Immigration, Citizenship and Multicultural Affairs David Coleman said the funding demonstrates the Government’s commitment to supporting schools and communities.
“Established in 2002, Together for Humanity has worked with more than 100,000 Australian students and teachers in primary and secondary schools across the nation, and I commend their work promoting interfaith and intercultural understanding,” Mr Coleman said.
“The work of Together for Humanity is vital to bringing Australians together. Their programs foster integration of students at risk of alienation, and ensures social divisions are minimised in schools.”
Mr Fletcher said the funding demonstrated the Morrison Government’s recognition of the importance of working closely with multi-faith, inclusive organisations like Together for Humanity.
“The Morrison Government is committed to supporting students to prosper and grow. Led by diverse teams of educators, students will develop understanding and belonging through engaging in sport, fun, and the exploration of values”, Mr Fletcher said.
“The program delivered by Together for Humanity provides young people with important skills to develop their ideas about identity, community and service, as well as enabling them to resist extremist influences of whatever form they take.”
Rabbi Zalman Kastel, National Director of Together for Humanity welcomed the funding and said its benefits would be invaluable.
“We are focused on ensuring that the dignity of all people is respected, and on fostering students’ feelings of connectedness and belonging together with their fellow Australians. Our diverse teams, working co-operatively together as role models, can now deliver more programs to students, and support more teachers to achieve these aims. This funding will greatly extend our resources for the Australian community”, Rabbi Kastel said.
This funding is part of the Morrison Government’s $71 million investment in bringing Australians together and enhancing social cohesion, and demonstrates the Government’s commitment to support multicultural and faith-based communities and create a stronger Australia